Grants for Nonprofits - Natural Resources

The BLM Arizona Cultural Heritage Partnership Program (CHPP) supports projects advancing the Department of Interior's priorities, including addressing the climate crisis, restoring balance on public lands, advancing environmental justice, and investing in a clean energy future. Projects should focus on public archaeology education, the development of educational programs, repatriation of Native American remains, and cultural resource inventory. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, non-profits, state and local governments, and Indian tribal governments. The program aims to support projects that use science, data, and traditional knowledge to enhance economic opportunities for communities of color, low-income families, and rural and indigenous communities.

The Parks & Public Space Initiative supports the beautification, development and activation of neighborhood/community parks, school parks, trails and other public lands. Donor Name: Oklahoma City Community Foundation State: Oklahoma City: Oklahoma City Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This initiative grew out of the Margaret Annis Boys Trust, which was established through a gift from Miss Boys’ estate in 1991 to support and encourage landscaping and beautification projects in parks, medians and other public lands in Oklahoma City. Grant awards will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. In addition to funding, Oklahoma City Community Foundation staff will provide project expertise. Goals and Objectives  To increase utilization of neighborhood parks, neighborhood school parks, trails and other spaces open to the public for recreation, cultural and health improvement. To engage community groups, neighborhoods, corporations, municipalities and other nonprofit organizations in improving the neighborhood parks, school parks and trails and the programs that are in them. To increase community stewardship of parks, school parks, trails and public spaces. Grant Funding Goals Encourage landscaping and beautification projects in public community spaces including neighborhood/community parks, school parks, trails, public medians and other public lands in central Oklahoma. Items eligible for funding include plant material such as trees, shrubs and perennials, soil amendments, mulch and irrigation. Landscape amenities such as shade structures, benches and information signage may be eligible. Master plans and tree canopy studies for public spaces with collaborative partners will be considered. Increase utilization of public spaces that are open and accessible to citizens for recreation, cultural and health improvement. Engage community groups, neighborhoods, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations to improve the public community spaces. Increase community awareness, involvement, and stewardship of the public community spaces. Priorities and Requirements for Considering Funding Existing neighborhood/community parks, school parks, trails, public medians and other open and accessible public properties will be the primary focus area for implementation of approved projects. The majority of Parks and Public Space Initiative grants are infrastructure and support activities or programs. Projects must be completed within a year after funding notification. All proposed projects must be open and accessible to the public during reasonable usage hours. All proposed projects must be located within the Greater Oklahoma City area. The proposed project must provide documentation of approval by the government entity directly responsible for the management and oversight of the project. Neighborhood streetscapes are a low priority for grant funding. A comprehensive site plan of the proposed project must be included with the grant application. The application must include current and future phases of the project if multi-phased. It can be professionally prepared or presented as a graphic over a Google Earth image. A significant volunteer component is required for each grant proposal. The volunteer group must share an active role in the planning, implementation and ongoing maintenance of the project. A realistic location, installation and maintenance plan with identified responsibilities and budget must be submitted to ensure the project’s sustainability. Tree plantings typically require a three-year maintenance plan to ensure establishment. Proposed grant requests supporting bond issue and other publicly funded projects will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There must be strong evidence that the project is ready to move forward immediately and that the Parks Initiative grant portion will play a significant role in the overall success and impact of the project. Who may apply? Neighborhood/community groups connected to parks, school parks, trails and other public spaces in Oklahoma County. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing direct services and that has a governing board based in Oklahoma County. Local government agencies or state and city-connected agencies. For more information, visit OCCF.

The Aquatic Resource Mitigation (ARM) Fund in New Hampshire offers an alternative to permittee-responsible mitigation for unavoidable impacts to aquatic resources such as streams and wetlands through In-Lieu Fee (ILF) payments. These pooled funds are distributed as competitive grants across nine watershed service areas, supporting restoration, enhancement, and preservation activities aimed at compensating for losses and maintaining the state's aquatic resource functions. An annual Request for Proposals is issued by NHDES, the fund's managing entity. Applicants are evaluated by a Site Selection Committee based on criteria including alignment with the state Wildlife Action Plan and expert assessments. The ultimate goal of the ARM Fund is to ensure "no net loss" of aquatic functions and values, emphasizing the creation of sustainable, maintenance-free natural systems within their respective landscapes

This funding opportunity is designed to support projects that improve forest management and reduce wildfire risks in the Truckee and Donner Summit areas, benefiting local communities and enhancing their preparedness for wildfires.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has grants available for aquatic stream clean-up projects across the state. The program assists cities, schools, community organizations, civic groups, watershed organizations, and conservation groups with stream clean-up projects. Five grants, at a maximum of $1,000 each, are available for each of TWRA’s four regional Aquatic Habitat Protection regions (a total of $5,000 per region). The grant money could be used to buy supplies such as rakes, work gloves, and garbage bags. Also, it could be used to pay disposal fees for solid waste and tire removal or to provide promotional items like project advertisements or T‑shirts and refreshments for volunteer support. The funds will be obligated as grants, so the grantee must have a nonprofit tax number. Grant proposals should include the applicant organization’s name, tax ID number, address, phone, and name of a contact person authorized to enter into a contractual agreement on behalf of the organization. The proposal should also include the name of the stream, the county or counties involved, and the project area and description.

Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program Our Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program extends our mission by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations that actively work towards improving and preserving outdoor environments. The grants focus on: Community Gardens: Creating, rehabilitating, and enhancing community gardens that provide educational opportunities and serve community needs. Neighborhood and School Beautification: Beautifying and enriching outdoor environments in economically disadvantaged areas, particularly around neighborhoods and schools. Parks and Greenspaces: Revitalizing parks and public greenspaces through planting and the addition or upgrading of efficient irrigation systems. Sustainable Impact: Projects that align with Toro's purpose of enriching the beauty, productivity, and sustainability of the land, impacting beautification, and increasing the utilization of public greenspaces. Community Engagement: Encouraging broad community involvement in project design and implementation, ensuring tangible and sustainable results. Eligibility Location: The benefiting organization must be located within 40 miles of a Toro Company location in the following cities: Arkansas: Batesville California: El Cajon, Riverside Florida: Sanford Michigan: Iron Mountain Nebraska: Beatrice Texas: El Paso, Abilene Wisconsin: Lake Mills The grant program seeks to empower communities to create and maintain beautiful, sustainable, and functional outdoor spaces, emphasizing those in need. Through these grants, The Toro Company continues to build on its long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities where our employees live and work.

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is accepting applications for its Cultural Vibrancy Grant Program. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro State: North Carolina County: Guilford County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: A culturally vibrant Greensboro is a community where all residents have access to diverse cultural, educational, and natural resources. The region’s vibrant culture is built upon inclusive community dialogue and civic engagement in its various forms. The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is particularly interested in funding organizations which bolster cultural vibrancy through: Increasing access to and appreciation for the arts, cultural opportunities, and natural assets such as parks, especially for students and residents at or below the federal poverty line in Guilford County Investing in cultural education and events that appeal to diverse and multi-generational audiences in Guilford County Facilitating dialogue and community engagement that deepen understanding among and between Greensboro’s diverse communities and cultures in Guilford County Eligibility and Requirements Applicant must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in or serving the respective areas indicated above. Grants are not awarded to organizations with outstanding grant reports due. Grants are not awarded to individuals. As they work to prioritize equity in grantmaking process, board and staff diversity along with total operating budget will be considered by staff and respective grantmaking committees; all applications will be reviewed regardless of budget size. Typically, multi-year grant applications are not considered. Typically, public schools or other public agencies will not receive grants, although they may be involved as partners in funded efforts. Priority is given to grant proposals that focus on long-term strategies to advance and sustain cultural vibrancy in Guilford County. For more information, visit Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro.

The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District is seeking applications for its Community Spaces Matching Grant Program. Donor Name: Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District State: California County: Sonoma County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: 06/24/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program focuses on protecting land and creating open spaces within cities and communities, through partnerships with local public agencies, nonprofits and federally recognized tribal organizations. Community Spaces projects have the potential to transform neighborhoods, providing places to recreate, find solitude, hold public gatherings, grow local food, and to experience and learn more of the importance of natural resources and agriculture. Funding Information The Board of Directors have authorized an annual budget of $3,000,000 for MGP project. Eligible Activities The Matching Grant Program has three categories of eligible project types:  Acquisition  Improvement  Acquisition/Improvement combination projects Eligibility Criteria Public agencies  Federally recognized tribes  Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status For more information, visit Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation.

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) (Headquarters) Aquatic Resources Program protects and restores riparian and wetland areas, aquatic habitats, and water resources to provide functioning ecosystems for a combination of balanced and diverse uses including fish and wildlife, and for the long-term needs of future generations. BLM is requesting projects for the Aquatic Resources Program (15.244) that Build Drought Resilience in Arid Watersheds and/or restore healthy waters through Implementing and/or Increasing BLM’s Ability to Implement Riverscape and Wet Meadow Restoration. This program also supports projects funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Sections 50221 Resilience, 50222 Ecosystems Restoration and 50303 DOI.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) through the Solano County Farm Bureau is pleased to announce funding availability for Healthy Soils Program Block Grant Pilot Program. Donor Name: Solano County Farm Bureau State: California County: Alameda County (CA), Contra Costa County (CA), Sacramento County (CA), Solano County (CA), Yolo County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The objectives of the HSP are to increase statewide implementation of conservation management practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon and reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) by providing financial incentives to California growers and ranchers to implement agricultural management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric GHG emissions and improve soil health. The Healthy Soils Program (HSP) provides financial incentives in the form of grants to farmers and ranchers to implement conservation management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs), and improve soil health. A few eligible practices include: Mulching – Compost Cover Crops Reduced Tillage Riparian, Herbaceous & Woody Plantings Windbreaks Filter Strips Whole Orchard Recycling Funding Information The California Climate Investments (CCI) appropriated $50 million. The maximum award is $100,000 The grant term is three years.  Eligibility Criteria California farmers, ranchers, agricultural business entities, and California Native Americans, are eligible to apply. Nonprofit organizations as agriculture operations are eligible to apply. Grant Recipients must be at least 18 years old. Cannabis cultivation operations are not eligible to apply. Hemp cultivation operations are eligible to apply. Project Eligibility Requirements Projects must be located on agricultural operations in California. For the purposes of this program, an agricultural operation is defined as row crops, vineyard, field and tree crops, commercial nurseries, nursery stock production, and greenhouse operations producing food crops, or flowers as. Projects located on grazing lands (including grasslands, rangelands, and pastures. Grant funds cannot be used for projects that use potted plants and plant growth media other than soil. Grant funds cannot be used for research and product development activities. All entities receiving grant funds must have a physical California business address. Awards are limited to one per agricultural operation using a unique tax identification number per round of funding, including applications submitted to Block Grant Recipients. Applications from Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento, Solano and Yolo County producers can apply with priority to those qualifying as socially disadvantaged.  For more information, visit CDFA.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments and tribal-led non-profits in the U.S. to develop energy plans that promote renewable energy and sustainability within their communities.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations that improve communities where Matson operates, with a focus on initiatives in maritime conservation, education, human services, cultural arts, and civic programs.

This grant provides funding for educational projects that promote wilderness values and stewardship among youth and adults in Idaho, Montana, and Iowa.

The California Natural Resources Agency is accepting proposals for the California Museum Grant Program. Donor Name: California Natural Resources Agency State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/22/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The intent of this program is to solicit proposals for program projects or capital projects that assist and enhance museums that are deeply rooted in, and reflective of, previously underserved communities. The Museum Grant Program has approximately 27.7 million available and may be awarded over multiple rounds depending on the competitive pool. Funding shall be prioritized for museums severely affected by COVID-19 and that serve historically underserved communities or students subject to Title I of the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Additionally, projects must meet one of the following priorities: serving pupils and teachers at schools eligible to be served under Part A of Title I of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act; serving children in low-income communities; supporting museums in engaging or collaborating with underserved communities; advancing preservation of at-risk cultural and natural collections and historic buildings; improving access; supporting the ethical stewardship of culturally sensitive art and artifacts, including, but not limited to, engaging in consultations with California Indian tribes or repatriation; or educating the public about critical issues affecting Californians. Funding Information Grant proposal requests must be between $50,000 and $500,000 for program projects; and $100,000 to 1 million for capital projects. Eligible Projects  All projects must support at least one of the following to be eligible: capital projects, exhibits, educational programs, outreach programs, public programs, curriculum, publications, marketing and collections care. Applicants must select one of the following project types: Capital project Program project. Eligible Applicants  Public agencies and nonprofit organizations that operate a museum, own a museum, or partner with a museum located in the State of California, may apply. Public agencies are defined as federal agencies, state agencies, cities, counties, districts, association of governments, joint powers agencies or tribal organizations. Federally recognized Native American Tribes, or non-federally recognized Native American Tribes within the State of California are eligible as public agencies. Nonprofit organizations are defined as any nonprofit public benefit corporation that is formed pursuant to the Nonprofit Corporation Law (commencing with Section 500 of the Corporations Code), qualified to do business in California, and qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, that has, among its principal charitable purposes, the preservation of historical or cultural resources for cultural, scientific, historic, educational, recreational, agricultural, or scenic opportunities; and must be registered with the California Secretary of State and California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. Museums are defined as public or private nonprofit institutions that are organized on a permanent basis for essentially educational or aesthetic purposes and that own or use tangible objects, care for those objects, and exhibit them to the general public on a regular basis. Projects can be proposed for museums of any size and discipline. In general, museums fall within the following categories: art museums and art centers; children’s/youth museums; cultural museums and cultural centers; general museums; history and historical museums (including historical societies, historic preservation organizations, historic houses/sites, and history museums); living collections (such as arboretums, botanical gardens, nature centers, zoos, aquariums, and wildlife conservation centers); and science and technology museums (including planetariums, discovery centers, natural history/anthropology museums and natural science museums). Applicants must also: have the institutional and financial capacity to complete the project and produce the deliverable described in their proposal; be able to demonstrate adequate charter or enabling authority to carry out the type of project proposed; be free of any legal challenges that could undermine progress on the project; and be in compliance and good standing on all previously awarded State grants. For more information, visit CNRA.

The Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program will award grants to voluntarily restore and sustain healthy forests, rivers and streams that provide habitat for diverse native bird and aquatic species populations. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: Approximately $3.5 million is available this year. Major funding is provided by the Richard King Mellon Foundation, USDA’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This year, additional funding is provided by Altria Group and Cleveland-Cliffs. The overall goal of the program is to improve the quality and connectivity of forest and freshwater habitat to increase the distribution and abundance of birds, fish and other wildlife, as evidenced by a suite of species that collectively are indicators of forest and freshwater habitat condition. The program aims to: Improve the voluntarily management of public and private forestlands to create blocks with a mosaic of mixed-aged forests that support a diversity of bird and wildlife species, especially targeting golden-winged warbler, wood thrush, and cerulean warbler; and Improve stream health by voluntarily removing passage barriers, restoring riparian buffers, and improving water quality and hydrology to bolster populations of brook trout, eastern hellbender and freshwater mussels. Applicants are encouraged to deploy a range of strategies to engage public and private landowners in active stewardship through technical and financial assistance, demonstrations, education and outreach, and other innovative approaches. Funding Information The Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program will award approximately $3.5 million in grants this year. Grant requests must range from $75,000 to $500,000. Grant Period: Projects should plan to start six months after the award date and be completed within four years. Notification of awards is expected to be mid-November. Geographic Focus The Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program will award grants within the program boundary on the map at right, which includes portions of Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. Eligible Entities Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. For more information, visit NFWF.

The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is seeking applications for Cycle 47 of its Program Development Grants (PDG). Donor Name: California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: California’s State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) advocates for, promotes and implements policies and practices designed to achieve self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all aspects of community life for Californians with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. Its goal and mission are to improve the lives of people with I/DD (PwI/DD) in measurable ways through engaging in and promoting self-advocacy, capacity-building, and systems change. One of the many ways the Council (SCDD) works to achieve its State Plan objectives is by awarding Program Development Grants to community-based organizations to research, develop and/or implement innovative programs and promising or best practices throughout the state and its local communities. 2022 – 2026 State Plan Goals Self-Advocacy By 2026, the Council will maintain and/or increase the number of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to become strong self-advocates, peer trainers and community leaders. Systems Change/Advocacy By 2026, the Council will lead in partnership with family/self-advocates and others to protect and enhance civil rights to improve community-based systems and be more fully inclusive and supportive of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families. Capacity-Building/Advocacy By 2026, the Council will increase partnerships with and support of more people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families, so they know their rights and can advocate for and receive supports and services. Funding Information The Council has approved a total fund of $300,000 to be allocated for one or more Cycle 47 grants. Grant Period: October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025.  Eligibility Criteria The Council will award funding, on a competitive basis, to California-based agencies and organizations that represent and/or serve individuals with intellectual, developmental and/or cross-disabilities. Eligible Applicants include: Local government agencies Non-government organizations Tribal organizations Community-based non-profits Established coalitions that are classified as 501(c)(3) tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) Code For more information, visit SCDD.

The District of Columbia (District), Department of Human Services (DHS), Family Services Administration (FSA), is seeking applications to provide Emergency Shelter and Supportive Services, Non-residential Counseling and Case Management, and Education and Outreach through funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. Donor Name: Family Services Administration State: District of Columbia Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: DHS administers the federal FVPSA state grant for the district in partnership with the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCCADV). FVPSA provides funding to support the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of programs and projects that prevent incidents of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence; provide immediate shelter, supportive services, and access to community-based programs for survivors of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents; and to provide specialized services for children exposed to family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, underserved populations, and victims who are members of racial and ethnic minority populations. Funding Information Total Estimated Program Award Funding $770,209.00.  Categories  Shelter and Supportive Services: $567,522.20.  Non-residential Counseling and Case Management: $101,343.25.  Education and Outreach: $101,343.25 The award period for the grant will be from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible to receive a subgrant from a State under 42 U.S.C. § 10408 (c), an entity shall be— a local public agency, or a nonprofit private organization (including faith-based and charitable organizations, community-based organizations, tribal organizations, and voluntary associations), that assists victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents, and has a documented history of effective work concerning family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence; or a partnership of 2 or more agencies or organizations that includes— (A) an agency or organization described in paragraph (1); and (B) an agency or organization that has a demonstrated history of serving populations in their communities, including providing culturally appropriate services. For more information, visit FSA.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (NEFRF)(formerly known as the New England Forests and Rivers Fund) to restore and sustain healthy rivers, forests and grasslands that provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/11/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The program will advance this goal by investing in projects that: Restore the quality and connectivity of stream and riparian habitats with a focus on improving habitat for river herring, Atlantic salmon, brook trout and wood turtles; Improve management of forest blocks to enhance age and structural diversity, resulting in improved forest conditions for native wildlife, with a focus on improving habitat for golden-winged warbler and New England cottontail; and, Promote hayfield management that allows for successful grassland bird breeding, with a specific focus on habitat for bobolink. Approximately $2 million is available this year. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoetis Foundation and Sylvamo. Program Priorities  Proposals should strive to contribute to goals detailed in NFWF’s Northeast Watersheds Business Plan (March 2023), and specifically the strategies for Stream and Riparian Habitat, and Upland Forests and Grasslands. (Applicants interested in supporting the priorities for Coastal Habitats in the business plan are encouraged to apply to NFWF’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund and National Coastal Resilience Fund.) Priority implementation strategies for NEFRF funding in 2024 are detailed below. Approximately $625,000 in program funding will be set aside for projects that direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices benefitting select Working Lands for Wildlife target species, especially northeast turtles and golden-winged warblers. Projects should Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. In addition, projects that incorporate outreach to communities, foster community engagement, and pursue collaborative management leading to measurable conservation benefits are encouraged. When possible, projects should be developed through community input and co-design processes and should consider traditional knowledge where relevant. Additionally, projects should engage community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations, community leaders) to help design, implement, and maintain projects to secure maximum benefits for communities, maintenance, and sustainability post-grant award. Grant Period Projects should plan to start no later than six months after the award date and be completed within three years. Geographical Areas  Projects are eligible from throughout the program boundary, which includes all of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as parts of New York. However, within the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River watershed, NEFRF will only consider projects to sustain and restore healthy forests, grasslands and fish passage projects. All other projects should apply to the Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

The First State Food System Program (Program) provides funding to entities that grow, process, store, transport, distribute, or sell food in the State of Delaware. Donor Name: Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy State: Delaware County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Delaware Department of Agriculture through its advisory group – the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy (Council) strives to facilitate and support a local food system where farmers can access viable markets; Delaware households can access nutritious and wholesome food options within their own communities; and where the impacts of supply chain disruptions can be diminished. Through this Program funding is available to a diverse range of entities, operating at various points in the food supply chain. This Program enables local entities to overcome challenges and build resilience in food system. The First State Food System Program is funded through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act. Projects designed to support or provide benefit to more than one entity or producer within Delaware’s food system will be prioritized. The objective is to strengthen the local food system through wide-reaching and complementary efforts, rather than isolated and narrowly focused projects that serve to benefit only one individual operation.  Funding Information Using a standardized review process, the Council will award grants from $2,500 up to $150,000. Eligible Projects Applications will be evaluated based on the viability of the entity; its function and reach as part of the food system; and its demonstrated or potential capacity to do at least one of the following: Add to the volume of food production in Delaware. Add to the direct-to-consumer sale or availability of food products through retail or charitable outlets in Delaware. Add to activities used to transform food products from their harvested state to a consumable state for end users. Processing activities include: freezing, chopping, fermenting, packaging, washing, cooking, pasteurizing, canning, and more in Delaware. Add to the transportation or distribution of food products to consumer/end user outlets in Delaware. Improve efficiency and reduce costs of distribution systems. Improve capacity of food retail outlets including restaurants, to meet local demand. Improve flexibilities of food retail and distribution outlets to better align with consumer needs like online purchasing or food delivery. Address challenges to proximity through transportation solutions. Increase emerging agricultural practices by bringing food production into busy, populated areas – such as vertical gardens, shipping container farms, rooftop farming, hydroponics, community gardens, community composting, and food waste reduction. Eligibility Criteria General  Applicants that have been awarded funding during Cycle 1 or Cycle 2 may apply. The project must be new and distinct from an awarded project, or an addition or complement to an awarded project. (can include adding new partners, or new sites, or expanding market reach, etc.) Applicants must describe how the project positively impacts or creates measurable outcomes for Delaware’s food supply chain, including the entity and other entities or operations. The applicant must demonstrate/describe that the entity has the infrastructure in place and capacity to successfully implement the project. The applicant’s entity must be in operation for two or more years. Start-up entities will be considered when the operator provides a description of industry experience or when the start-up budget includes a contribution from the owner. The applicant’s entity must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to enter into a project agreement with the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Eligible entities must be owned and operated in the State of Delaware and include small to mid-sized, for-profit producers and nonprofit organizations; aquaculture/fishery operators; food distributors or transporters; food processing operators. The Council reserves the right to consider applications from non-Delaware entities that directly provide product or services to Delaware. Applicants may submit more than one proposal. If more than one proposal is submitted, please prioritize the submissions. Producers  For the purposes of this Program, small to mid-sized producers are defined as having operations with 1) An annual value of sales between $20,000 and $300,000; and 2) Acres in active production in fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, or other products for human consumption; of up to 300 acres. Larger scale producers are eligible to apply and are encouraged to demonstrate collaboration with other producers or entities. Supply Chain Entities  The following are eligible supply chain operations, this list is not all inclusive, some examples are listed: Storage: food hubs Transportation: fleet coordinators, logistics Processing: incubator facilities, commercial kitchens Distribution: retail outlets, pantries, food trucks Single or multi-site grocery stores, Cooperative grocers, Corner stores, Mobile markets, restaurants, farmers markets, on-farm stores For more information, visit Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (“MassCEC”) seeks applications to its Commonwealth Hydro Program (the “Program”) to facilitate greater energy production and reduced environmental impacts from hydropower facilities that are eligible for the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (“MA RPS”). Donor Name: Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Program provides funding for construction projects, new technology deployment, relicensing, and feasibility studies for eligible hydropower generation facilities. Applicants may request funding in the following activity areas: Upgrade of existing hydropower facilities, including but not limited to: turbine replacement or refurbishment; installation or upgrade of automated controls; replacement of wooden flashboards with rubber skirt/inflatable crest gate systems; and enhanced fish or eel passage (in conjunction with measures to increase generation). Existing hydropower facilities that are engaged or will soon be engaged in the FERC relicensing process and are considering means to increase efficiency, increase capacity, and reduce environmental impacts, including but not limited to: Installation of minimum flow turbine on bypass reach; Installation of turbines that reduce fish passage injury and mortality; Closer-spaced and/or self-cleaning trash racks; and Upgrades that increase levels of dissolved oxygen downstream of facility. Development of new hydropower facilities that are eligible for FERC conduit exemptions or FERC determinations that facilities are Qualifying Conduit Hydropower Facilities. Deployment of advanced hydropower technologies, including but not limited to technologies that enable: Fish-friendly hydropower; In-stream hydrokinetic power; and Hydropower operational flexibility. Feasibility studies for facilities described in (1-3) above. Funding Information Maximum possible grant amounts will be capped at the lesser of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000) or fifty percent (50%) of actual costs. Eligibility Criteria Each Applicant must demonstrate compliance with the following minimum criteria: Eligible Applicant An Eligible Applicant must be a commercial, industrial, institutional, non-profit or public entity. The Applicant must demonstrate long-term site control over the project location and the rights to the water used to power the system. If the Applicant does not own the dam or conduit associated with the project, a letter of support from the dam or conduit owner is required. Note that once an Applicant has been awarded a grant and executed a grant agreement withMassCEC, that entity is referred to as the Grantee. FERC Status Subject facilities must:  Have a FERC license or exemption and be in substantial compliance with its conditions (the need to amend a license or exemption to accommodate the proposed project will not disqualify the facility); Have a FERC order indicating the facility is non-jurisdictional to FERC (the proposed project must not jeopardize this status, as determined by MassCEC in the sole exercise of its discretion); Have a FERC determination that the facility is a Qualifying Conduit Hydropower Facility; OR Be seeking a license or exemption under one of the following conditions: on a canal system where environmental conditions are managed by the canal system operator under an existing FERC license; OR likely be eligible for a conduit exemption (the determination that a facility is likely eligible for a conduit exemption shall be at MassCEC’s sole discretion). MA RPS Status Facilities must be qualified for the MA RPS, or demonstrate a strong likelihood of gaining qualification. Facility Size, Type and Location  Useful Life -Applicants proposing to rehabilitate or upgrade existing facilities must affirm that the project will have a useful life of at least twenty (20) years and/or that plans and financing are in place to make additional repairs to achieve this useful life. Location- Facilities that are located within the service territory of an electric distribution company that pays into the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust are eligible. Eligible Dams  Dams associated with proposed projects must be intact (i.e., must not have been breached). Projects requiring new dams are ineligible. Minimum Technical Requirements  Hydroelectric turbines and generators may be either new or refurbished. However, all equipment should be accompanied by warranties and service support options, which may be subject to MassCEC approval. Related Parties  The Applicant must procure services from contractors using commercially responsible procurement mechanisms, and to the greatest extent practicable, using competitive procurement procedures. For more information, visit MassCEC.